We all can quickly come up with a list of obstacles preventing us from taking time to exercise, prepare a healthy meal or relax, but the most frequent reason I hear is guilt. So often we feel guilty for taking action, time or money to do something that improves our health and/or happiness. I say hogwash! How can you be a patient and kind parent, spouse or friend if you are stressed out, run down, or operating on crappy fuel and junk food?

You owe it not just to yourself, but to your loved ones to take care of you! If you have ever flown, you know that each and every time you fly the attendants will remind you that in the case of an emergency you should put on your own oxygen mask before helping others. Why is that? Well you can only go so long without oxygen right? You only have a matter of minutes before you will pass out. After you have passed out you cannot help anyone! In fact, then others will need to help you instead. So, put on that oxygen mask immediately, and you can be of service to the entire plane.

Is this any different than real life? I would argue that it isn't. It's likely that you have a number of others that depend upon you including children, pets, co-workers, family members, neighbors and others in your community. If you are neglecting to take care of your health, you won't be able to help anyone else for too long. If you are stressed out and under nourished it is a matter of time before you will exhaust yourself or even worse get sick. Long-term stress that goes on for years can have even more serious results such as chronic diseases including cancers and depression. But with a little planning you can take a few minutes for yourself and take action to feel great for years to come!

Here are some suggestions / reminders of ways that you can help yourself out:

Start your day with alone time to journal, meditate, breath or any introspective activity to help you connect with yourself, your purpose, and set your intention for the day.

End your day with a few moments of alone time as well. Set the tone for restful sleep by establishing a bed time ritual. Rituals provide a sense of reliability and calm that can help with stress management. Rituals could include journalling, meditation, breathing, or whatever you enjoy.

No time or funds to go to a gym? Hit the stairwell at work whenever you have a free minute - perhaps replacing the trip to the coffee machine with this activity. Take time to walk around the building at work on your lunch hour.

Build self-care into your calendar. That's right - literally make an appointment with yourself. Use that time however you like. Go sit in the park for an hour, or walk, take a bath, or whatever makes YOU happy.

Batch cook healthy meals so you can well with less time in the kitchen. You can prepare large quantities of soups, salads, juices and snacks, even freezing some to manage your time.

These are just a few ideas, I think you get it. The main point is do NOT feel guilty about taking time for you. This life is a gift and so is your body. Take good care of it and reap the benefits of self care. .